Working Wardrobes’ 2023 Annual Gala Client Honoree: Josie Benford

The Working Wardrobes Annual Gala is our most impactful fundraiser of the year, a tribute to our mission, and a chance to honor those who make it possible. This year, in addition to honoring The Boeing Company and Justin Frame (Managing Director – Market Executive | Pacific Desert at UBS) for their years of partnership with our organization, we will honor a Working Wardrobes client who, through her triumph, inspires others to achieve career success: Josie Benford, Combat Army Veteran OIF x2.

At the event, taking place on the evening of September 9th at The Turnip Rose Promenade and Gardens, Working Wardrobes will present Josie with a Quilt of Valor: “a quality, handmade quilt… awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.’” (Quilts of Valor® Foundation) Josie will share her story live, undoubtedly inspiring our hundreds of guests to create transformative ripples of impact in their lives and in the lives of others.

A United States Army Veteran, Josie served in our nation’s military for 15 years. Even with a bachelor’s degree in business, Josie faced challenges on her journey to civilian employment. She experienced housing insecurity and struggled to find safe, reliable childcare for her son.

When she enrolled in Working Wardrobes’ Rebuilding Careers program, our team of Career Navigators created an Individualized Employment and Support Plan with attainable goals and career readiness services for Josie. They quickly connected her with our partners at VPAN SS Iowa and the April Parker Foundation, who helped Josie and her son find safe housing.

With the first barrier removed, Josie was able to focus on achieving her career goals. With the support of the Working Wardrobes team, she created a powerful new resume, sharpened her job search strategies, and attended local job fairs.

Josie’s hard work paid off when she was introduced to Rocio Palmero from Women Vets on Point (a program with US Vets). The connection led to an interview, and she was hired on the spot! Rocio shared with Working Wardrobes, “Everyone on the team adores Josie. WHY didn’t you send her to us sooner?”

In Josie’s new role as a case manager, she is powerfully positioned to leverage her own experience as a transitioning service member to help others. Josie pays forward the support she received from Working Wardrobes every day by providing resources to Veterans in need. On behalf of Working Wardrobes, thank you, Josie, for your service to our country and the community.

Create a ripple effect. Transform a life like Josie’s.